CovDriver

Please be careful this place has been mentioned before its not an actual shop and they don't hold any stock. That's all I'll say on this but please be careful and do some research. Colin

I passed it three times today I think the Soho Depot manager is keeping me away from just incase I break it..

Well today is going to be an interesting one, seen as there was a slight earth fault on Soho Depot overnight some cross city services maybe single sets today. I've not had any more information as yet but 323221 could about on its own today. I've got to prep a 350 at B'ham International then take it empty to New St followed by a 323×2 to Bromsgrove then all the way to Lichfield TV and back to New St. Then after a lengthy PnB I'll be on the 1206 New St to Northampton and back to Coventry then it's long weekend. But I'm in Christmas day on frost precaution duties . If I get chance I'll post some pics later. Merry Christmas to everyone Cheers Colin

Just two pics fron today as it's been one of those days my first train this morning the 0539 Coventry to Northampton was a failure upon prep due to a broken windscreen wiper. Then my Driver Manager decided to give me a 2hour ride assessment covering New St - Walsall and back and onwards to Wolverhampton and return to New St. And as its my first time to Wolverhampton since the huge lineside fire . The remains of the factory was unbelievable warped and twisted metal everywhere. Anyway here's the two pics it's the blue pullman passing through Wolverhampton as I was changing ends.

Just one pic for today as it all went wrong this morning after a 323 failure at Redditch (Not me). But I ended up taking the failed units to Soho and once I arrived I looked around the depot for Hunslet The Bear but he was avoiding me... The only chance for a quick pic was at Lichfield Trent Valley whilst waiting to work 2O30 (1209 LTV- BRO) as far as New St. Cheers Colin

Thank you for the kind comments, I shall resurrect the thread and start posting again. I'm hoping to get 323221 in the very near future but I've been told not to break it as we are going to do a few farewell charters next year. They'll be organised through the Branchline society so I'm told. Cheers Colin

Sorry for hijacking the thread but you may have a point @Amnesiac your learning fast 😉

you missed it literally by minutes as you departed 2mins late and i couldn't get into the platform to get a fresh brew 😉

Well that was a pleasant surprise 4O46 has just passed me as I was waiting to come out of Coventry North Yard with my 5F32 ECS to New St and DiT was 69007 being taken to Eastleigh.

Not much to report on for the last couple of days work on the layout. I've managed to fit lighting on the new fiddleyard board as well as power to the layout. Also the scenic board and fiddleyard are now connected and the layout stands on purpose built trestles. The scenic board now also has lighting thanks to an ikea lighting bar with LED's. I'm hoping to lay the track and points into the fiddleyard sometime this week but with work until Friday on AM turns it's looking slim. Cheers Colin

I can't find Royal Mail insured on the Royal mail app ? I can only see Royal Mail special delivery which is £10.65 I'm not sure if that's the method you require I've attached a screenshot pic to show you Regards Colin

Only one pic from yesterday's hour on the layout I've started on the roller shutter door frame and the staff entrance door frame. I might be able to get some more work done tomorrow as I'm booked a road review day. Cheers Colin

A couple of pics just to show how the layout is coming on. Next job will be adding in the cobalt point motors and ground signal. All being well either tomorrow or Tuesday. Cheers Colin

Well this bug has still certainly got a hold. I've put in a ground position light signal that just needs wiring in, the hard standing has been laid down and the start of a loco/wagon repair shed has been started. I've been so busy with work I'm even doing rest day working as I type this ( Travelling pass from Northampton to New St). I'm also in tomorrow on a late turn 1735 until 0058. But all being well I shall try and upload a couple of pics of the progress so far. If anybody has any ideas on a name I'd love to see them. Cheers Colin

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View Advert Hornby Class 73 73129 Network southeast livery Here is a Hornby Class 73 (73129) it is the 8 pin DCC ready version in the Network SouthEast livery it is boxed and has sat for a couple of years in a cupboard collecting dust. I've no need for it now as I'm having to thin out my collection. Payment via PayPal I can accept F&F or if the buyer prefers G&S they must pay the relevant fees. Postage will be via Royal Mail 1st class signed for which is £5.55. Once the loco is posted I always send the buyer a picture of the proof of postage. Any questions then please message me. Advertiser CovDriver Date 11/11/22 Price £40 Category OO / 4mm scale  

Well the modelling bug has certainly taken a firm hold this time this is a recycled Tim Horn baseboard that measures 4ft x 10ins. I've come to the conclusion that I've got more than enough locomotives and rolling stock now that I could probably open a small shop. So I've decided to construct a mini layout that just has a small stabling/fuel point. The track is all glued down with the droppers all soldered on and the track was painted yesterday. The layout name will change once I can decide on a name or if anyone can suggest one. Cheers Colin

Your not the only one having problems at New St Jim some barrier staff are sore because they had no choice of who they worked for when it all changed from Londonmidland they suddenly became Avanti staff overnight. Some of them deliberately stand in front of the barriers blocking our way through all being a bit childish etc... We are given 5mins walking time from messroom to platform and if they're obstructing our way the train goes late. It'll only get worse now the Christmas Market is underway. Last time I was stopped going down to the platform because of overcrowding I tried to explain I was the driver for the train to remove this overcrowding problem but the security staff still refused = simply train departed 16mins late even though it arrived on time. Cheers Colin

Looking forward to slipping around between Selly Oak and Kings Norton as according to Network Rail that's the only site not been treated. And I'm the first one down the Lickey bank. I'm glad my sand hoppers are full.. Cheers Colin

I've heard this from a New St man a while back most definitely a Saltley seagull man in the seat for that job!!! And as for drivers taking over from the taxi driver has happened up until recently when we had a job doing the last New St to Northampton service and being booked in a taxi back from Northampton to Coventry.

Great pics Jim, I had one of your former trainees with me yesterday road learning Northampton to Rugby he spoke very highly of you. I didn't catch his name 🙄 Cheers Colin

I love Skipwith station we have stayed there a few times now as its been beautifully restored and has 3 mk2 coaches all converted to holiday/camping coaches.

We use a system that's operated through Abelio that provide most TOC's with taxis and it's a vast improvement from what it was like. I can recall one journey from Coventry to Northampton and the taxi driver was almost at the end of a 16hour shift. He couldn't keep his eyes open so I told him to to take a break at Watford Gap services whilst I got a replacement taxi.

I might see you on your travels out of Kings Norton next week,but that depends if this Covid thing goes.

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